







In English we use the present simple tense to talk about facts or things that are always true, as well as things in general. Present simple is also used to talk about a repeated action such as a habit, a hobby, a daily event, a scheduled event or something that often happens.
In English we use 'do' and 'does' as auxiliary verbs in negatives and questions and we often use the present simple with adverbs of frequency such as sometimes, always, often, never, usually, rarely, and hardly ever.
Notes for use of present simple :
In the third person, ‘s’ is added to the verb form. For example;
work --> works
run --> runs
live --> lives
For verbs that end in 'o', 'sh', 'ch', 's' and 'x', we add 'es' to the verb form. For example;
go --> goes
wish --> wishes
watch --> watches
kiss --> kisses
fax --> faxes
For verbs that end in a consonant + 'y', we change the 'y' to 'i' and add 'es'. For example;
try --> tries
study --> studies
The table below shows the different forms of present simple :
Example Verb : Work | I / You / We / They | He / She / It |
| Positive | ... work. | ... works. |
| Negative | ... don't work. | ... doesn't work. |
Questions | Do ... work? | Does ... work? |
| Short answers | Yes, ... do. / No, ... don't. | Yes, ... does. / No, ... doesn't. |
For the verb 'to be' we use 'am', 'is', 'are' in the present simple. No auxiliary verbs are used in negative sentences and questions.
Verb: Be | I | You / We / They | He / She / It |
| Positive | I'm ... | ... 're ... | ... 's ... |
| Negative | I'm not ... | ... aren't ... | ... isn't ... |
| Questions | Am I ... ? | Are ... ...? | Is ... ...? |
| Short answers | Yes, I am. / No, I'm not. | Yes, ... are. / No, ... aren't. | Yes, ... is. / No, ... isn't. |
Present Simple Example Sentences :
Positive Examples of Present Simple :
Negative Examples of Present Simple :
Question Examples of Present Simple :
| Present simple example sentences | |
|---|---|
| Erm, she's the marketing manager at the company. | |
| Yes, sorry, everything seems filthy, but believe me, it's not my fault! | |
| It's not for me, it's for the rice, dear! | |
| I only have 3 hours today. | |
| Don't worry Diego, it's not related to you! | |
| And now we've got plenty of mushrooms left to use. | |
| Oh f*ck off, I've got to go now... | |
| I am, I have to be there at 12:30. | |
| Yeah, I guess spring is the worst time for allergies! | |
| Is it Leicester Square or Piccadilly Circus? | |
| You're right, but he is not only here to fix things... | |
| Oh no! Are you sure you don't have anything available? | |
| No, I won't... I don't want a house in Mayfair anymore! | |
| No, she is a uni student in Russia. | |
| Is it hay fever? I've got some pills for it! | |
| I don't believe you! What's the difference today? | |
| Hmm.. yes, we get on really well. | |
| Umm, Dick is here, dear, he is the landlord... | |
| How many people live in this house? | |
| I wear some of them, can I check them when I get back? | |